Multifunction scale with large-area display

ABSTRACT

Weighing scale apparatuses (devices and systems) and methods are implemented using a variety of biometric-based devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a weighing scale uses a base unit to integrate a support structure, a display, and circuitry to measure and determine the physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric. The support structure includes a platform region that utilizes sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user, which is then processed by user-targeted circuitry to determine the physiological parameters (e.g., weight and heart-related measurements) of the user. Such parameters are then associated with the user and saved to a data-access circuit, and also forwarded to a display which communicates the physiological parameters among other information to the user through the platform region; the display encompassing substantially all of the platform region, including the region(s) upon which the user would stand for weight measurements.

This patent document claims priority to the following U.S. patent documents: application Ser. No. 14/500,111 filed on Sep. 29, 2014; application Ser. No. 14/338,266, entitled Device And Method Having Automatic User-Responsive and User-Specific Physiological-Meter Platform, filed Jul. 22, 2014; application Ser. No. 14/498,773, entitled Fitness Testing Scale, filed Sep. 26, 2014; and to Provisional Application No. 62/027,724, entitled Multi-Function Scale With Large Area Display, filed Jul. 22, 2014, each being incorporated by reference in their entirety as well as for the aspects specifically noted herein and for aspects readily recognized by the common disclosure (e.g., figures and related discussion).

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a weighing scale apparatus configured and arranged as a weighing scale and also as a large-area platform display that displays a user's biometrics including user weight and other physiological parameters. The weighing scale apparatus integrates a base unit with a support structure having a platform region and with sensor circuitry therein. The platform region is configured and arranged to engage a user while the user stands on the platform region and while using the sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user. The display is configured and arranged for displaying data through and throughout the entire platform region so that when the user is not standing on the platform region, the display is configured and arranged for displaying information (e.g., images) other than user weight and such other physiological parameters corresponding to the user's biometrics.

In more specific embodiments, a base unit in a weighing scale apparatus (such as the above-characterized apparatus) includes one or more additional circuits for processing the user-related information. One such additional circuit is a user-targeted circuitry which is configured and arranged to receive the physiological data from the sensor circuitry and to determine physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric, while the user stands on and engages the sensor circuitry of the platform region. Another additional circuit in the base unit is a communication driver (e.g., display driver and possibly also including an audio driver and speaker) which is configured and arranged to provide information from the user-targeted circuitry to the display for reception (e.g., viewing) by the user through the platform region. Yet another additional circuit, which can either be in or external to the base unit (e.g., as a communicatively wearable, handheld device or other CPU) is a data-access circuit configured and arranged to provide access to user-specific data including stored physiological parameters of the user in response to or developed by the user-targeted circuitry and to store physiological parameters of the user determined by the user-targeted circuitry.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure are directed to multisensory biometric weighing scales, systems and methods such as electronic body platforms and/or scales that weigh the user and/or provide impedance-based biometric measurements. Biometrics is a broad term wherein this disclosure includes the measurements of body composition and cardiovascular information. Impedance measurements can be made through the feet to measure fat percentage, muscle mass percentage and body water percentage. Additionally, foot impedance-based cardiovascular measurements can be made for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and sensing the properties of blood pulsations in the arteries, also known as impedance plethysmography (IPG), where both techniques can be used to quantify heart rate and/or pulse arrival timings (PAT). Cardiovascular IPG measures the change in impedance through the corresponding arteries between the sensing electrode pair segments synchronous to each heartbeat.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a weighing scale is disclosed that includes a base unit which integrates a support structure, a display, user-targeted circuitry and a communication driver. The support structure having a platform region with sensor circuitry therein; the platform region engages a user with the sensor circuitry while the user stands on the platform region. The sensor circuitry collects physiological data from the user such as measurements of body composition and cardiovascular information which are then forwarded on to the user-targeted circuitry for analysis. The display displays data through and throughout the entire platform region, including entertainment information and physiological parameters of the user as determined by the user targeted circuitry. The user-targeted circuitry receives the physiological data from the sensor circuitry and determines physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric, while the user stands on and engages the sensor circuitry of the platform region. The communication driver receives the information from the user-targeted circuitry (including the determined physiological parameters) and provides the information to the display for viewing by the user through the platform region. As with the embodiments characterized above, the weighing scale can also include a data-access circuit that provides access to user-specific data including stored physiological parameters of the user in response to, or developed by, the user-targeted circuitry. The weighing scale data-access circuit stores physiological parameters of the user determined by the user-targeted circuitry.

Various example embodiments may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a multifunction scale with large-area display, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A shows an isometric, cross-sectional view of a multifunction scale with large-area display, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a multifunction scale with large-area display, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-D show top views of a number of multifunction scale displays, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a multifunction scale with large-area display, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an example manner in which a user-specific physiologic meter/scale may be programmed to provide features consistent with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B shows current paths through the body for the IPG trigger pulse and Foot IPG, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows an example of the insensitivity to foot placement on scale electrodes with multiple excitation and sensing current paths, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A depicts an example block diagram of circuitry for operating core circuits and modules, including, for example, those of FIGS. 8A-8B, used in various specific embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B shows an exemplary block diagram depicting the circuitry for interpreting signals received from electrodes;

FIGS. 8A-8B show example block diagrams depicting the circuitry for sensing and measuring the cardiovascular time-varying IPG raw signals and steps to obtain a filtered IPG waveform, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows an example block diagram depicting signal processing steps to obtain fiducial references from the individual Leg IPG “beats,” which are subsequently used to obtain fiducials in the Foot IPG, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows an example flowchart depicting signal processing to segment individual Foot IPG “beats” to produce an averaged IPG waveform of improved SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), which is subsequently used to determine the fiducial of the averaged Foot IPG, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows an example configuration for obtaining the pulse transit time (PTT), using the first IPG as the triggering pulse for the Foot IPG and ballistocardiogram (BCG), consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows another example of a scale with interleaved foot electrodes to inject and sense current from one foot to another foot, and within one foot, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A shows another example of a scale with interleaved foot electrodes to inject and sense current from one foot to another foot, and to measure Foot IPG signals in both feet, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B shows another example of a scale with interleaved foot electrodes to inject and sense current from one foot to another foot, and to measure Foot IPG signals in both feet, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13C shows another example approach to floating current sources by using transformer-coupled current sources, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 14A-D show an example breakdown of a scale with interleaved foot electrodes to inject and sense current from one foot to another foot, and within one foot, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows an example block diagram of circuit-based building blocks, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows an example flow diagram, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows an example scale communicatively coupled to a wireless device, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 18A-C show example impedance as measured through different parts of the foot based on the foot position, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure including aspects defined in the claims. In addition, the term “example” as used throughout this disclosure is only by way of illustration, and not limitation.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a multifunction scale with a large-area display to present results of the scale's multiple sensing functionalities, as well as other information pertinent to a user. In many embodiments, the multifunction scale is capable of a number of biometric and physiological measurements. Based on the measurements, a condition(s) of the user is displayed on the large-area display between or beneath the user's feet.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a weighing scale is disclosed that includes a base unit which integrates a support structure, a display, user-targeted circuitry and a communication driver. The support structure having a platform region with sensor circuitry therein; the platform region engages a user with the sensor circuitry while the user stands on the platform region. The sensor circuitry collects physiological data from the user such as measurements of body composition and cardiovascular information which are then forwarded on to the user-targeted circuitry for analysis. The display displays data through and throughout the entire platform region, including entertainment information and physiological parameters of the user as determined by the user targeted circuitry. The user-targeted circuitry receives the physiological data from the sensor circuitry and determines physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric, while the user stands on and engages the sensor circuitry of the platform region. Methodologies for determining physiological parameters of the user are discussed in more detail below, in reference to FIGS. 5-18C. The communication driver receives the information from the user-targeted circuitry (including the determined physiological parameters) and provides the information to the display for viewing by the user through the platform region. The weighing scale also includes a data-access circuit that provides access to user-specific data. This data-access circuit stores user-specific data including physiological parameters of the user in response to, or developed by the user-targeted circuitry as determined by the user-targeted circuitry. Alternatively or in addition, the data-access circuit may be external to the scale base unit and may communicate and share user-specific data with the base unit, as well as other electronic devices associated with the user via a communication network). In some embodiments, the determined physiological parameters of the user are compared to physiological parameters of the user stored in the data-access circuit to determine changes in the physical fitness of the user over time.

In some embodiments exemplified by the present disclosure, to determine the identity of a user (without selection by the user, or some other method of identification), the weighing scale further includes a logic circuit that is communicatively coupled with the data-access circuit for accessing data associated with users (user specific data in a memory circuit of the data-access circuit) that have used the scale, and correlating the data developed by the user-targeted circuitry with one of the known users. In some specific embodiments, the logic circuit may utilize the user's resting heart rate, approximate weight, etc. (or a combination thereof) to determine the identity of the user. In yet further embodiments, based on the identification of the user by the data-access circuit, the data-access circuit may access information, via a communication network, based on the user-specific data in the memory circuit (e.g., sports scores for teams the user likes, weather in the user's area, stock prices associated with the user's financial portfolio, etc.).

In many embodiments of the present disclosure the display functions as a touch-screen, wherein the display receives touch signal data indicative of engagement of the user on the platform region and the associated position and movement of the user's feet. The communication driver receives the touch signal data from the display, processes the touch signals, and determines the position and movement associated with such touch signals. Accordingly, the user's feet may be used to make a number of selections as to the functionality of the scale including what physiological tests to conduct, what information to display, etc.

In various embodiments, the sensor circuitry includes a plurality of electrodes. A first one of the plurality of electrodes contacts one foot of a user and a second one of the plurality of electrodes contacts the user at a location along a lower limb of the user that does not include the one foot. The user-targeted circuitry includes pulse-processing circuitry communicatively coupled with the plurality of electrodes to obtain a plurality of impedance-measurement signals, extract pulse characteristic signals from at least one of the impedance-measurement signals, and based on the extracted pulse characteristic signals, determine a condition of the user.

In specific embodiments of the present disclosure where aesthetics associated with the scale are important, the scale can camouflage itself to better blend in with the surrounding area by using its display to display colors and patterns within the room. In such an embodiment, the scale includes image processing circuitry that receives image data and determines color and pattern themes associated with the image data. The communication driver then presents an image on the display indicative of an area around the base unit, based on the image data processed by the image processing circuitry, when the base unit is idle. In one exemplary specific embodiment, the image processing circuitry may also detect motion associated with a user, and function in one of two modes. In an active mode, determined by the presence of the user by the image processing circuitry (or in the alternative by microphone circuitry that detects noise associated with the presence of a user), the scale presents information that corresponds to the physiological parameters of the user. In an idle mode, determined by the non-presence of the user by the image processing circuitry (or the microphone circuitry), the scale presents an image indicative of the area around the base unit, based on the image data processed by the image processing circuitry (as discussed in more detail above).

In one specific embodiment of the present disclosure a scale is disclosed in accordance with at least one of the embodiments above, wherein the platform region includes at least one foot-engagement region, with sensor circuitry therein, for engaging a user while the user stands on the platform region, and a display providing data through and throughout the platform region including the at least one foot-engagement region. The communication driver of such an embodiment provides information from the user-targeted circuitry and presents the information through the platform region for viewing by the user in a large-area display mode corresponding to a first state in which the user is not standing on the platform region; and for viewing by the user in a reduced-area display mode corresponding to a second state in which the user is standing on the platform region. In this type of embodiment, a weighing scale apparatus/system includes a base unit that integrates various aspects (among others, conventional weighing scale elements), and also a data-access circuit that may be within the base unit of the weighing scale apparatus and/or external to the base unit while being communicatively coupled thereto.

The base unit also integrates a display, a display or communication driver, user-targeted (user-sensing/processing) circuitry, and a support structure which has a platform region with sensor circuitry therein and which has the platform region including at least one foot-engagement region (and preferably for both feet) with sensor circuitry therein, for engaging a user while the user stands on the platform region. The display is configured and arranged for providing data through and throughout the platform region including the at least one foot-engagement region, and the user-targeted circuitry is configured and arranged to measure physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric, while the user stands on and engages the platform region. Finally, the communication driver is configured to provide information from the user-targeted circuitry and to present the information through the platform region for viewing by the user in a large-area display mode corresponding to a first state in which the user is not standing on the platform region and for viewing by the user in a reduced-area display mode corresponding to a second state in which the user is standing on the platform region.

In a more specific version of the above-characterized example, the communication driver is further configured and arranged to present the information including images via the large-area display mode when the user is not standing on the platform region and present the information as text in the form of letters or numbers via the reduced-area display mode in the reduced-area display region of the platform region which is adjacent to the at least one foot-engagement region for viewing by the user while the user is standing on the at least one foot-engagement region. Optionally, the communication driver can present the information including images via the large-area display mode concurrently while presenting the text in the form of letters or numbers via the reduced-area display mode in the reduced-area display region of the platform region. This is advantageous as it permits for the images to be displayed outside the reduced-area display region while the text in the reduced-area display region. In even more specific embodiments, the communication driver is further configured and arranged to recognize whether the user is standing on the platform region and to control, in response thereto, presenting the information including images via the large-area display mode when the user is not standing on the platform region and presenting the information via the reduced-area display mode in a reduced-area display region of the platform region which is adjacent to the at least one foot-engagement region for viewing by the user while the user is standing on the at least one foot-engagement region. Accordingly, the areas which display information and/or the types of information (e.g., images, text, user-specific alpha-numeric, and generic data such as weather, time of day, etc.) can be controlled in response to determining whether the user is standing on the scale, approaching the scale, getting off the scale, and thereby transitioning the displayed information and view as a function of the user's access/proximity to the scale.

In various embodiments a multifunction scale including a display is disclosed, the display being effectively the entire top surface of the scale. Support glass above the display transmits the weight of a user to a bezel along the perimeter of the scale (away from the display), while also transmitting touch-capacitive signals indicative of a user's position and movement on the support glass through the display to scale circuitry. The bezel houses load cells equally spaced along the perimeter of the scale. Each load cell outputs an electrical signal indicative of a mass transmitted from the user through the load cell to the scale circuitry. A support frame is attached to the bezel and supports the display within the bezel. A plurality of translucent electrode leads are embedded into the support glass to provide electrical signals to the scale circuitry; the electrical signals are interpreted by the scale circuitry as being indicative of a condition of a user, such a condition being presented on the display for the user.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display of a multifunction scale is touch-responsive or tilt-responsive. The display may portray simple menus that can be controlled by the user's feet/toes, hands or other body part. A user's feet (or hands) are sensed via touch sensors on the screen or display and the scale can identify the outline of a user's feet (or hands or other body part). The user's feet (or hands) may provide user input for functional or aesthetic feedback via the display such as producing animated graphics around the users feet or hands (e.g., simulated lapping surf videos that interact with the user's feet or hands; glowing around the user's feet or hands; fish nibbling at the toes, etc.). In other specific embodiments, the graphics and/or text convey videos, simulations of motion of solids or liquids, of animals and/or water encompassing the user's feet, thereby helping to relax or relate the user to the tools with which the scale is equipped.

In yet other specific embodiments, the graphics and/or text are interactive so that while the user stands on the platform, the displays shows information for the user's foot-limited field of view, thereby permitting the user to view relevant portions of graphics and/or text for discernible communication from the display to the user (e.g., displaying information to encourage the user eat healthier, slow-down the rate of breathing, exercise more, relax with a relaxing display such as moving clouds and/or simply relay other information such as weather, news and traffic data). A user may also change posture, shifting the weight distribution over the scale's load cells to provide user input.

In certain other embodiments, the graphics and/or text are interactive so that while the user stands on the platform, the displays shows information/advertisements that are relevant to user data stored in the scale's internal (or externally coupled as in the case of a handheld device) memory circuit. The interactivity of the user, e.g., tapping the scale as an input, can be tracked and relayed for further correlation in the memory circuit and to provide other related information in response. As non-limiting examples, this (other) information can be responsive to the user's weight or indications of heart-related parameters (such as cholesterol and/or arterial stiffness) via 360-degree interactivity from the user as measured on the scale, to user-displayed data while the user is standing on the scale, and to the memory circuit and/or an Internet server whereby correlation and tracking to user-related information can be tracked and scored. Information from such an Internet server (as operated by a third party) can also be accessed and displayed as part of a medical/fitness—related suggestion. Examples include displaying information to the effect of: exercise moderately each day for a week and return to scale periodically for a report on your progress; and as it appears that you have symptoms consistent with cholesterol and/or arterial stiffness, ask your doctor if you should be taking medication known as [medication name].

The user provided feedback allows for the selection of menu options, test selection, browsing information or articles presented on the display, or the input of test relevant user data such as age, medical conditions, etc. In various embodiments, the touch-responsive screen indicates to scale circuitry the location of a user's feet relative to a plurality of electrodes located across a top surface of the multifunction scale. This permits the processor to select appropriate electrodes for a designated biometric measurement, based, at least in part, on the real-time location of the user's feet on the scale.

In further, more specific, embodiments of the present disclosure, a multifunction scale is communicatively coupled with a user's portable electronic devices, an internet router, or other home electronic devices. The scale then communicates and exchanges data with these devices for display and control by a user (e.g. using physiological parameters to improve a fitness or health condition). In various embodiments, while the multifunction scale is conducting biometric and physiological measurements of the user, the user (by way of the touch-responsive screen) may browse today's news communicated to the multifunction scale by the internet router, change the station on the television or the song playing on a sound system, or review their schedule transmitted to the multifunction scale by the user's smartphone. Additionally, while the scale is conducting barometric and physiological measurements of the user prior to user identification, the display portrays interesting or entertaining information (e.g., surf lapping at the user's feet). In yet further implementations of the disclosure directed to smart-homes, a multifunction scale user controls (via the touch-screen display) a plurality of other devices throughout the home such as a climate control system, security system, operation of the shower, etc. The electronic communications between the multifunction scale and the various devices may take the form of either wireless or wired communications. Further, a multifunction large display scale can be used to communicate with other scale users either using the same scale unit or another scale in the home or other wireless or personal electronic devices (e.g. leaving someone a message or note or confirming a meeting or appointment; and/or incorporating the digital communication and haptic feedback system from a smart watch to make selections related to scale functionality).

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a multifunction scale that obtains a plurality of impedance-measurement signals while a set of at least three electrodes are concurrently contacting a user. Additionally, various aspects of the present disclosure include determining a plurality of pulse characteristic signals based on the plurality of impedance-measurement signals. One of the pulse characteristic signals is extracted from one of the impedance-measurement signals and is used as a timing reference to extract and process another of the pulse characteristic signals. The signals obtained by the scale are indicative of a condition of the user, such as percentage: muscle mass percentage, body water percentage, among others. The condition of the user is displayed on a large-area display beneath the user's feet, along with other information that may be preprogrammed or requested by the user for display such as time of day, traffic conditions, stock portfolio, weather, as well as a plurality of other pieces of information that may be collected.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a base unit including a platform area. The apparatus also includes a set of electrodes including a plurality of electrodes over the platform area for contacting one foot of a user and including at least one other electrode configured and arranged for contacting the user at a location along a lower limb (e.g., other foot) that does not include the one foot. Additionally, the apparatus includes pulse-processing circuitry communicatively coupled to, and configured with, the set of electrodes to obtain a plurality of (first and second) impedance-measurement signals while each of the electrodes is concurrently contacting the user and to determine a plurality of (first and second) pulse characteristic signals based on the plurality of (first and second) impedance-measurement signals. At least one of the (first) impedance-measurement signals is obtained within the one foot and another of the (second) impedance-measurement signals is obtained between the one foot and the other location. One of the (first and second) pulse characteristic signals is extracted from one of the impedance-measurement signals and is used as a timing reference to extract and process another of the pulse characteristic signals.

Various aspects of the disclosure are directed to a multifunction scale with a large-area display. The large-area display may be programmed to display aesthetically pleasing screen savers, both when in use, or idle. For example, images, animations, and videos, may be presented on the display with overlaid information (as may be selected by the user). In some specific embodiments of the present disclosure, where the multifunction scale, and based on its measurements, has determined a condition in the user indicative of increased stress levels (as indicated by high blood pressure, heart rate, etc.), for example; the multifunction scale may display images or video, such as waves lapping over sand and play accompanying sounds or music, among other sensory devices, intended to calm and sooth the user. In yet further embodiments, based on an assessed condition, as indicated by the multifunction scales measurements, the multifunction scale may suggest audibly or visually (through the scale's display) activities, dietary restrictions, or in the case where the indicated condition is life-threatening (e.g., measurements indicating an imminent heart attack or stroke, etc.), call an ambulance for the user. Information may also be portrayed on the display of the scale for a period of time when the user is off the device.

Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus having a base unit including a platform area, a set of electrodes and pulse-processing circuitry. The electrodes include a plurality of electrodes over the platform area for contacting a user at a limb extremity (being the hand or foot) and one or more other electrodes for contacting the user at a different location. The pulse-processing circuitry is communicatively coupled to, and configured with, the set of electrodes to obtain a plurality of (first and second) impedance-measurement signals while each of the electrodes is concurrently contacting the user and to determine a plurality of (first and second) pulse characteristic signals based on the plurality of (first and second) impedance-measurement signals. At least one of the (first) impedance-measurement signals is obtained within the limb extremity and another of the (second) impedance-measurement signals is obtained between the limb extremity and the other location. One of the (first and second) pulse characteristic signals is extracted from one of the impedance-measurement signals and is used as a timing reference to extract and process another of the pulse characteristic signals.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a multifunction scale includes circuitry such as a camera and image processing circuitry. The camera is directed either at the floor below the scale or the surrounding area. Based on the images processed (by the image circuitry) of the area surrounding the scale, the multifunction scale's large-area display depicts an image that mimics the surrounding area when idle. For example, in some embodiments, the scale would depict an image indicative of the surface, flooring or floor covering below the scale, enabling the scale to “blend in” to its surroundings, minimizing any detraction of aesthetics the scale would otherwise cause through its visually non-conforming presence, if desired by the user. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale is mountable flush with or inset into a floor in which the scale is located. This approach can be used to further enhance the “blend in” effect of the scale and to facilitate powering via a hardwired voltage connection. The result is that, when the multifunction scale is idle, the scale is effectively camouflaged from view or at a glance. In other embodiments, the camera may be directed at an upward angle, providing a view of the room in which the multifunction scale is located. Based on image data collected by the camera and processed by image processing circuitry, the display will present the prominent colors and patterns found in the room, minimizing the aesthetic detraction of the multifunction scale.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a multifunction scale includes circuitry such as a camera, microphone or image processing circuitry that interacts with an external environmental sensor. Such an environmental sensor may, for example, be connected to a personal electronic device to alert a user of motions and sounds in a house, or to communicate wirelessly with another individual either nearby or at a distant location. In some implementations, the scale communicates with and relies on an external environmental sensor that is wirelessly connected to the user's home or living environment. For example, in one embodiment the external environmental sensors facilitate power saving by alerting the scale that a user is moving toward the location of the scale, thereby prompting the scale to transition (turn on or power up) from idle or reduced-display mode to active or large-display mode, identify the user, and begin interacting with the user. Further, the external environmental sensor can also trigger the scale to turn off or to transition from active mode or large-display mode to a reduced-display or idle mode, in response to sensing that the user is leaving the area where the scale is located.

A further embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a scale that facilitates power-saving by communicating with a bed or bedroom-based sensor that can trigger the scale to turn on and transition from idle or reduced-screen-mode to active or large-display mode when the sensor detects the user wake-up and get out of bed.

Various other embodiments of the present disclosure include a scale, that when placed near the user's sleeping environment (e.g. bedroom) and coupled with a sensor located on the user, or in or near the user's bed or bedroom, analyzes and stores the user's sleep patterns, sleep environment and climate, and other physiological measurements (e.g. average heart rate, respiratory and breathing rate, movement, etc.) of the user while the user is asleep. One benefit of such an embodiment is that use by the user promotes improved sleep and overall health and wellness. Data obtained while the user is sleeping can be displayed on the scale or communicated wirelessly to or from other personal electronic devices or programs for viewing, storage or future analysis by the user.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale includes a power source such as a battery that can be charged or recharged wirelessly (e.g. using a variety of wireless charging modalities such as: magnetic inductive charging magnetic resonance charging, radio wave charging, ultrasound charging, etc.). The scale unit may also serve as a charging portal for charging or powering other portable electronic devices wirelessly.

In one power-saving embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale display is operated in a large-area display mode, where the entirety of the surface of the scale platform consists of the display when the user is not standing on the scale; and a smaller or reduced-area display mode, when the user is standing on the scale (e.g., the portions of the display visible to the user). In some embodiments, only a small portion of the display between the user's feet will continue to display information to the user in the reduced-area display mode, and in other embodiments the reduced-area display mode turns-off the display area under the user's feet to save battery power.

In another power saving embodiment of the disclosure, the scale may operate in an active mode, determined by the presence of the user by a camera or microphone integrated onto the scale. When image processing circuitry associated with the camera senses motion (or the microphone circuitry detects a noise), the scale enters an active mode and presents information that corresponds to the physiological parameters of the user or other information as may be programmed by the user. In the alternative, idle mode, where the scale has been inactive for a programmed period of time, or the image processing circuitry and microphone circuitry determine the lack of user presence in the room, the scale may turn-off the display to save power, present an image indicative of the area around the base unit, or present and image or animation selected by the user (as may be desired by the user).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the scale may be used in conjunction with workout activities. For example, the scale can be used as a force meter, for exercises involving the feet (e.g., conducting a leg press or military press while standing on the scale). Such metering would also be useful for maintaining consistent exerted forces during ballistic exercises and to chart fatigue over repetitions (and to also compare to previous workout sessions). In other related embodiments, the scale may be used intermittently during a workout regimen to verify that the regimen (or current exercise) is raising the users physiological parameters to the appropriate levels for the exercise (e.g., that a cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, is raising the user's heart rate to 80% of its maximum).

The above discussion/summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and detailed description that follow also exemplify various embodiments.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a multifunction scale 100 with a large-area display (beneath platform region 115), consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this particular embodiment, the scale 100 has a primarily rectangular shape with a support structure 110 around the perimeter of the scale that transfers the weight of a user on the platform region 115 through load cells in each corner of the support structure 110. In other implementations, the scale has rounded corners, is elliptical or shaped to be circular or circularly elongated. In embodiments in which the shape of the scale does not indicate the intended orientation of the user's feet (e.g., circular or circularly elongated), the scale recognizes (as described herein) where the feet are located and orients the information to be displayed accordingly as though the intended orientation of the user's feet is however/wherever the user's feet are oriented on the scale.

It is to be understood that the aesthetic design of the multifunction scale 100 may take on a plurality of shapes and sizes (based on the needs of the users, e.g., weight requirements, their aesthetic preferences, etc.). A feature of the multifunction scale 110 is the large-area display that makes up the majority of the top surface of the scale. The display may present the user with a myriad of information, such as the results of physiological and biometric test results conducted by the scale, entertainment information (while the scale is conducting tests or a weight measurement), and aesthetic screen savers.

FIG. 1A shows an isometric, cross-sectional view of a multifunction scale 100 with a support structure 110 that integrates a large-area display 120, a platform region 115, and circuitry 130 (including at least user-targeted circuitry, and a communication driver), consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The platform region 115 above the display 120 transmits the weight of a user to the support structure 110 and away from the display, while also transmitting touch-capacitive signals indicative of a user's position and/or movement on the platform region 115, through the display, to the scale circuitry 130. The support structure 110 is attached to a bezel which supports the display 120. The support structure 110 further houses load cells equally spaced along the perimeter of the scale 100. Each load cell outputs an electrical signal indicative of a mass transmitted from the user through the load cell to the scale circuitry (which interprets the electrical signals and presents the weight of the user on the display). A plurality of translucent electrode leads are embedded into the platform region 115 to provide electrical signals to the scale circuitry 130, and the electrical signals are interpreted by the scale circuitry 130 as being indicative of a condition of a user, with the condition being presented on the display 120 for the user.

In an embodiment in accordance with FIG. 1A, a weighing scale 100 includes a support structure 110 having a platform region 115 with sensor circuitry therein (e.g., electrodes). The platform region 115 engages a user with the sensor circuitry while the user stands on the platform region 115 and use the sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user. While the user stands on the scale 100, the display 120 displays data through and throughout the entire platform region. The scale 100 also includes circuitry 130 including user-targeted circuitry and a communication driver. The user-targeted circuitry receives the physiological data from the sensor circuitry and determines physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric, while the user stands on and engages the sensor circuitry of the platform region 115. The communication driver provides information from the user-targeted circuitry to the display 120 for viewing by the user through the platform region 115. In some embodiments the circuitry 130 may also include a data-access circuit that provides access to user-specific data including stored physiological parameters of the user in response to or developed by the user-targeted circuitry and to store physiological parameters of the user determined by the user-targeted circuitry (in other embodiments, the data-access circuit may be external to the scale 100, and may be accessed by the circuitry 130 over a communication network).

Load bearing characteristics of the multifunction scale 100 may provide both functionality and longevity. The platform region 115, in conjunction with the support structure 110 (and the bezel), minimizes the load transfer to the display 120 while still maintaining sufficient conductivity through the platform region 115 (e.g., a glass platform or other clear material) to the display 120 to allow for touch-screen functionality. If the platform region 115 is too compliant, under the user's weight, excessive force exerted on the display 120 may cause damage. If the platform region 115 is not conductively coupled to the display 120 (e.g., due to a gap there-between), touch-screen functionality of the scale 100 may be challenging. Accordingly, FIG. 1A discloses one embodiment that addresses such issues via a platform region 115 that transfer weight to the support structure 110 with minimal compliance, by which the display 120 remains conductively coupled to the platform region 115 while preventing excessive force from being exerted on the display 120 (that would otherwise cause damage).

In certain specific embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 2, multifunction scale 200 includes a support structure 210 which integrates a large-area display 220 and a platform region 210 (where the user will stand when the scale 200 is in use). In such an embodiment, the display 220 is essentially the full length of the scale 20, but not full width. This display size is closer in dimensions to a tablet computing device (such as an iPad). The sensor circuitry in the platform region 210 includes electrodes for physiological and biometric sensing. As discussed in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 3A-D, the display 220 is capable of presenting a myriad of information to the user.

FIG. 3A-D shows top views of a number of multifunction scale displays, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A presents an exemplary image that may be selected by a user as a “screen saver,” and displayed by the scale, in a large-area display mode 320, when not in use. In further embodiments, the scale, when not in use may enter “sleep mode” and present or display pleasant still or video images, including a slide-show of images selected by the user, such as family-photos or other pleasant preferred images or animations. In more specific embodiments of the present disclosure, a camera is communicatively coupled to the multifunction scale and operates with facial recognition software for identifying the user and greeting the user (“Hello Michael”). The apparatus may also identify the user based on multiple measurement characteristics (e.g., weight, body composition, body mass index (BMW), body fat percentage, PWV, etc., alone or correlated with additional measurements), and greet the user accordingly. Based on the identified user, the scale may operate in accordance with user-specific aspects as may relate to physiology or preferences such as for a “screen saver.” For instance, biometric and physiological tests can be conducted, with the test results saved to the identified user's file (and/or the results sent to a user's doctor for further review and analysis), as well as a number of other functionalities, such as playing the user's favorite musical artist and loading the display to present the user with pertinent information. Further, the scale may offer multiple modes that the user may choose between to ensure greater accuracy of physiological testing results, such as “athlete mode” for users that are very active.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a relaxing ambience may be provided to the room where the multifunction scale is located, such as by displaying a video of waves lapping over sand, in a large-area display mode of the display 320 (when the user is not standing on the scale). In some embodiments, the scale plays an audio track associated with the video. In FIGS. 3C-D, a reduced-area display mode 321 is utilized when the user is standing on the scale. In such an embodiment, the display area where the user is standing, 322 is turned-off as the user's feet prevent the user from seeing this portion of the screen 322, and the disabling of the display area 322 reduces battery consumption of the display 320.

In FIGS. 3B-D, while the scale conducts tests on the user (e.g., weight measurements, body fat, biometric and physiological tests (e.g., ballistocardiogram (BCG) or pulse wave velocity (PWV), etc.) or whenever the user desires, the user is able to access other information from the scale such as the user's current weight, pulse rate, and time of day, among other user-configurable information. In further more specific embodiments (as shown in FIGS. 3B-D), the scale displays general or user-specific information, such as weather conditions, stocks, news, traffic conditions, home climate (e.g., screening air quality, oxygen level, temperature), commute times, user's daily schedule, personal reminders, or other information as may be collected by the scale via a wired or wireless connection to the internet, or to a smart device (e.g., a hand-held mobile or cellular phone, smart watch or other wearable electronic device, or tablet) or to fixed computing device (e.g., as a phone or watch). Information displayed on the scale is shown in an appropriately scaled font, composition and orientation to be readable from a standing position. As shown in FIG. 3D, in implementations of the disclosure directed to smart-homes, a multifunction scale user controls (via the touch-screen display) a plurality of other devices throughout the home such as a climate control system, security system, operation of the shower, etc. The electronic communications between the multifunction scale and the various devices may take the form of either wireless or wired communications.

FIG. 4 shows a multifunction scale 400 with large-area display (e.g., for a bathroom), consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the multifunction scale 400 includes circuitry, such as a camera and image processing circuitry. The camera may be directed at the floor below the scale or the surrounding area. Based on the images processed (by the image processing circuitry) of the area surrounding the scale, the multifunction scale's large-area display depicts an image that mimics the surrounding area when idle. As shown in FIG. 4, the room is primarily furnished in black and white. The image processing circuitry identifies this black and white room theme based on the images captured by the camera and selects a color or combination of colors in a pattern or design that would mimic the décor of the room. As a result, the scale 400 is more likely to blend into the décor of the room and minimize the likelihood that the scale 400 will detract from the ambiance. In embodiments where the camera is directed at the floor, the scale 400 depicts an image indicative of the flooring below the scale 400, which would similarly minimize any detraction of aesthetics the scale would otherwise cast through its visually non-conforming presence. In either embodiment discussed above, when the multifunction scale 400 is idle, from a glance the scale 400 is effectively camouflaged. In other embodiments, the user and/or an interior designer may select a theme for the display based on the desired look for the room where the multifunction scale 400 is placed.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart depicting an example manner in which a user specific physiologic meter or scale may be programmed in accordance with the present disclosure. This flowchart uses a computer processor circuit (or CPU) along with a memory circuit shown herein as user profile memory 546A. The CPU operates in a low-power consumption mode, which may be in off mode or a low-power sleep mode, and at least one other higher power consumption mode of operation. In more specific embodiments, the low-power sleep mode and/or night-operative mode reduces consumption of power while using all or a portion of the display to provide a low-level night light (which can also be activated by motion recognition of the user whereby otherwise the display is off or dark during night-time periods).

As exemplary circuits for transitioning between such a low-power and higher power modes, the CPU can be integrated with presence and/or motion sense circuits, such as a passive infrared (PIR) circuit and/or pyro PIR circuit. In a typical application, the PIR circuit provides a constant flow of data indicative of amounts of radiation sensed in a field of view directed by the PIR circuit. For instance, the PIR circuit can be installed behind a transparent upper surface of the platform (such as through the display screen of the platform apparatus) and installed at an angle so that the motion of the user, as the user approaches the platform apparatus, can be sensed. Radiation from the user, upon reaching a certain detectable level, wakes up the CPU which then transitions from the low-power mode, as depicted in block 540, to a regular mode or active mode of operation. In alternative embodiments, the CPU transitions from the low-power mode of operation in response to another remote/wireless input used as an intrusion to awaken the CPU. In other embodiments, motion can be sensed with a single integrated microphone or microphone array, to detect the sounds of a user approaching, or user motion can be detected by an accelerometer integrated in the scale.

Accordingly, from block 540, flow proceeds to block 542 where the user or other presence is sensed as data is received at the platform apparatus. At block 544, the circuitry assesses whether the received data qualifies as requiring a wake up. If not, flow turns to block 540. If however, wake up is required, flow proceeds from block 544 to block 546 where the CPU assesses whether a possible previous user has approached the platform apparatus. This assessment is performed by the CPU accessing the user profile memory 546A and comparing data stored therein for one or more such previous users with criteria corresponding to the received data that caused the wake up. Such criteria might include, for example, the time of the day (early morning or late morning), the pace at which the user approached the platform apparatus as sensed by the motion detection circuitry, the height of the user as indicated by the motion sensing circuitry and/or a camera installed and integrated with the CPU, and/or more sophisticated bio-metric data provided by the user and/or automatically by the circuitry in the platform apparatus.

As discussed herein, such sophisticated circuitry can include one or more of the following user-specific attributes: foot length, type of foot arch, weight of user, manner and speed at which the user steps onto the platform apparatus, and/or sounds made by the user's motion or by speech. As is also conventional, facial or body-feature recognition may be used in connection with the camera and comparisons of images therefrom to images in the user profile memory.

From block 546, flow proceeds to block 548 where the CPU obtains and/or updates user corresponding data in the user profile memory. As a learning program is developed in the user profile memory, each access and use of the platform apparatus is used to expand on the data and profile for each such user. From block 548, flow proceeds to block 550 where a decision is made regarding whether the set of electrodes at the upper surface of the platform is ready for the user, which may be based on the data obtained from the user profile memory. For example, delays may ensue from the user moving his or her feet about the upper surface of the platform apparatus, as may occur while certain data is being retrieved by the CPU (whether internally or from an external source such as a program or configuration data updates from the Internet cloud) or when the user has stepped over a certain area configured for providing display information back to the user. If the electrodes are not ready for the user, flow proceeds from block 550 to block 552 to accommodate this delay.

Once the CPU determines that the electrodes are ready for use while the user is standing on the platform surface, flow proceeds to block 560. Stabilization of the user on the platform surface may be ascertained by injecting current through the electrodes via the interleaved arrangement thereof. Where such current is returned via other electrodes for a particular foot and/or foot size, and is consistent for a relatively brief period of time (e.g., a few seconds), the CPU can assume that the user is standing still and ready to use the electrodes and related circuitry.

At block 560, a decision is made that both the user and the platform apparatus are ready for measuring impedance and certain segments of the user's body, including at least one foot.

The remaining flow of FIG. 5A includes the application and sensing of current through the electrodes for finding the optimal electrodes (562) and for performing impedance measurements (block 564). These measurements are continued until completed at block 566 and all such useful measurements are recorded and are logged in the user profile memory for this specific user, at block 568. At block 572, the CPU generates output data to provide feedback as to the completion of the measurements and, as maybe indicated as a request via the user profile for this user, as an overall report on the progress for the user relative to previous measurements made for this user and that are stored in the user profile memory. Such feedback may be shown on the display, through a speaker with co-located apertures in the platform's housing for audible reception by the user, and/or by vibration circuitry which, upon vibration under control of the CPU, the user can sense through one or both feet while standing on the scale. From this output at block 572, flow returns to the low-power mode as indicated at block 574 with the return to the beginning of the flow at block 540.

FIG. 5B shows current paths 500 through the body of a user 505 standing on a scale 510 for the IPG trigger pulse and Foot IPG, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. Impedance measurements 515 are measured when the user 505 is standing and wearing clothing articles over the feet such as socks or shoes, within the practical limitations of capacitive-based impedance sensing, with energy limits considered safe for human use. The measurements 515 can also be made with non-clothing material placed between the user's bare feet and contact electrodes, such as thin films or sheets of plastic, glass, paper or wax paper, whereby the electrodes operate within energy limits considered safe for human use. The IPG measurements also can be sensed in the presence of callouses on the user's feet that normally diminish the quality of the signal.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the user 505 is standing on a scale 510, where the tissues of the user's body will be modeled as a series of impedance elements, and where the time-varying impedance elements change in response to cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular movements of the user. ECG and IPG measurements can be sensed through the feet and can be challenging to take due to small impedance signals with (1) low SNR, and because they are (2) frequently masked or distorted by other electrical activity in the body such as the muscle firings in the legs to maintain balance. The human body is unsteady while standing still, and constant changes in weight distribution occur to maintain balance. As such, cardiovascular signals that are measured with weighing scale-based sensors typically yield signals with poor SNR, such as the Foot IPG and standing BCG. Thus, such scale-based signals require a stable and high quality synchronous timing reference, to segment individual heartbeat-related signals for signal averaging to yield an averaged signal with higher SNR versus respective individual measurements.

The ECG can be used as the reference (or trigger) signal to segment a series of heartbeat-related signals measured by secondary sensors (optical, electrical, magnetic, pressure, microwave, piezo-based, etc.) for averaging a series of heartbeat-related signals together, to improve the SNR of the secondary measurement. The ECG has an intrinsically high SNR when measured with body-worn gel electrodes, or via dry electrodes on handgrip sensors. In contrast, the ECG has a low SNR when measured using foot electrodes while standing on said scale platforms; unless the user is standing perfectly still to eliminate electrical noises from the leg muscles firing due to body motion. As such, ECG measurements at the feet while standing are considered to be an unreliable trigger signal (low SNR). Therefore, it is often difficult to obtain a reliable cardiovascular trigger reference timing when using ECG sensors incorporated in base scale platform devices. Both Inan, et al. (IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, 14:5, 1188-1196, 2010) and Shin, et al. (Physiological Measurement, 30, 679-693, 2009) have shown that the ECG component of the electrical signal measured between the two feet while standing was rapidly overpowered by the electromyogram (EMG) signal resulting from the leg muscle activity involved in maintaining balance.

The accuracy of cardiovascular information obtained from weighing scale platforms is also influenced by measurement time. The number of beats obtained from heartbeat-related signals for signal averaging is a function of measurement time and heart rate. The Mayo Clinic cites that typical resting heart rates range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Therefore, short signal acquisition periods may yield a low number of beats to average, which may cause measurement uncertainty, also known as the standard error in the mean (SEM). SEM is the standard deviation of the sample mean estimate of a population mean. Where, SE is the standard error in the samples N, which is related to the standard error or the population S.

${SE} = \frac{S}{\sqrt{N}}$

For example, a five second signal acquisition period may yield a maximum of five to eight beats for ensemble averaging, while a 10 second signal acquisition could yield 10-16 beats. However, the number of beats available for averaging and SNR determination is usually reduced for the following factors; (1) truncation of the first and last ensemble beat in the recording by the algorithm, (2) triggering beats falsely missed by triggering algorithm, (3) cardiorespiratory variability, (4) excessive body motion corrupting the trigger and Foot IPG signal, and (5) loss of foot contact with the measurement electrodes.

Sources of noise can require multiple solutions for overall SNR improvements for the signal being averaged. Longer measurement times increase the number of beats lost to truncation, false missed triggering, and excessive motion. Longer measurement times also reduce variability from cardiorespiratory effects. Therefore, if shorter measurement times (e.g., less than 30 seconds) are desired for scale-based sensor platforms, sensing improvements need to tolerate body motion and loss of foot contact with the measurement electrodes.

The human cardiovascular system includes a heart with four chambers, separated by valves that return blood to the heart from the venous system into the right side of the heart, through the pulmonary circulation to oxygenate the blood, which then returns to the left side of the heart, where the oxygenated blood is pressurized by the left ventricles and is pumped into the arterial circulation, where blood is distributed to the organs and tissues to supply oxygen. The cardiovascular or circulatory system is designed to ensure maintenance of oxygen availability and is often the limiting factor for cell survival. The heart normally pumps five to six liters of blood every minute during rest and maximum cardiac output during exercise can increase up to seven-fold, by modulating heart rate and stroke volume. The factors that affect heart rate include the degree of autonomic innervation, fitness level, age and hormones. Factors affecting stroke volume include heart size, fitness level, contractility or pre-ejection period, ejection duration, preload or end-diastolic volume, and afterload or systemic resistance. The cardiovascular system is constantly adapting to maintain a homeostasis (set point) that minimizes the work done by the heart to maintain cardiac output. As such, blood pressure is continually adjusting to minimize work demands during rest. Cardiovascular disease encompasses a variety of abnormalities in (or that affect) the cardiovascular system that degrade the efficiency of the system, which include but are not limited to chronically elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, edema, endothelial dysfunction, arrhythmias, arterial stiffening, atherosclerosis, vascular wall thickening, stenosis, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, renal dysfunction, enlarged heart, heart failure, diabetes, obesity and pulmonary disorders.

Each cardiac cycle results in a pulse of blood being delivered into the arterial tree. The heart completes cycles of atrial systole, delivering blood to the ventricles, followed by ventricular systole delivering blood into the lungs and the systemic arterial circulation, where the diastole cycle begins. In early diastole the ventricles relax and fill with blood, then in mid-diastole the atria and ventricles are relaxed and the ventricles continue to fill with blood. In late diastole, the sinoatrial node (the heart's pacemaker) depolarizes then contracts the atria, the ventricles are filled with more blood and the depolarization then reaches the atrioventricular node and enters the ventricular side, beginning the systole phase. The ventricles contract, and the blood is pumped from the ventricles to the arteries.

The ECG is the measurement of the heart's electrical activity and can be described in five phases. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, the PR interval is the time between the P-wave and the start of the QRS complex. The QRS wave complex represents ventricular depolarization. The QRS complex is the strongest wave in the ECG and is frequently used as the de facto timing reference for the cardiovascular cycle. Atrial repolarization is masked by the QRS complex. The ST interval (or ST segment) then follows which represents the period of zero potential between ventricular depolarization and repolarization. The cycle concludes with the T-wave representing ventricular repolarization.

The blood ejected into the arteries creates vascular movements due to the blood's momentum. The blood mass ejected by the heart first travels headward in the ascending aorta and travels around the aortic arch then travels down the descending aorta. The diameter of the aorta increases significantly during the systole phase due to the high compliance (low stiffness) of the aortic wall. Blood traveling in the descending aorta then bifurcates in the iliac branch, which then transitions into a stiffer arterial region due to the muscular artery composition of the leg arteries. The blood pulsation continues down the leg and foot. All along the way, the arteries branch into arteries of smaller diameter until reaching the capillary beds where the pulsatile blood flow turns into steady blood flow, delivering oxygen to the tissues. The blood then returns to the venous system terminating in the vena cava, where blood returns to the right atrium of the heart for the subsequent cardiac cycle.

Surprisingly, high quality simultaneous recordings of the Leg IPG and Foot IPG are attainable in a practical manner (e.g., a user operating the device correctly simply by standing on the impedance body scale foot electrodes), and can be used to obtain reliable trigger fiducial timings from the Leg IPG signal. This acquisition can be far less sensitive to motion-induced noise from the Leg EMG that often compromises Leg ECG measurements. Furthermore, it has been discovered that interleaving the two Kelvin electrode pairs for a single foot results in a design that is insensitive to foot placement within the boundaries of the overall electrode area. As such, the user is no longer constrained to comply with accurate foot placement on conventional single foot Kelvin arrangements, which are highly prone to introducing motion artifacts into the IPG signal, or result in a loss of contact if the foot is slightly misaligned. Interleaved designs begin when one or more electrode surfaces cross over a single imaginary boundary line separating an excitation and sensing electrode pair. The interleaving is configured to maintain uniform foot surface contact area on the excitation and sensing electrode pair, regardless of the positioning of the foot over the combined area of the electrode pair.

Various aspects of the present disclosure include a weighing scale platform (e.g., scale 110) of an area sufficient for an adult of average size to stand comfortably still and minimize postural swaying. The nominal scale length (same orientation as foot length) is 12 inches and the width is 12 inches. The width can be increased to be consistent with the feet at shoulder width or slightly broader (e.g., 14 to 18 inches, respectively).

FIG. 6 shows an example of the insensitivity to foot placement 600 on scale electrode pairs 605/610 with multiple excitation paths 620 and sensing current paths 615, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. An aspect of the platform is that it has a thickness and strength to support a human adult of at least 200 pounds without fracturing, and another aspect of the device platform is comprised of at least six electrodes, where the first electrode pair 605 is solid and the second electrode pair 610 is interleaved. Another aspect is that the first and second interleaved electrode pairs 605/610 are separated by a distance of at least 40+/−5 millimeters, where the nominal separation of less than 40 millimeters has been shown to degrade the single Foot IPG signal. Another key aspect is the electrode patterns are made from materials with low resistivity such as stainless steel, aluminum, hardened gold, ITO, index matched ITO (IMITO), carbon printed electrodes, conductive tapes, silver-impregnated carbon printed electrodes, conductive adhesives, and similar materials with resistivity lower than 300 ohms/sq. In the certain embodiments, the resistivity is below 150 ohms/sq. Other embodiments include the electrodes being built into a display material (e.g., glass or plastics) and being made from substantially translucent materials that blend in with the display material such as doped/implanted patterns (e.g., by ionic doping or implanting or layering with ions and/or nanostructures) in order to provide the electrodes in the form of conductive lines in or on (under) the display material. The electrodes are connected to the electronic circuitry in the scale by routing the electrodes around the edges of the scale to the surface below, or through at least one hole in the scale (e.g., a via hole).

Suitable electrode arrangements for dual Foot IPG measurements can be realized in other embodiments. In certain embodiments, the interleaved electrodes are patterned on the reverse side of a thin piece (e.g., less than 2 mm) of high-ion-exchange (HIE) glass, which is attached to a scale substrate and used in capacitive sensing mode. In certain embodiments, the interleaved electrodes are patterned onto a thin piece of paper or plastic which can be rolled up or folded for easy storage. In certain embodiments, the interleaved electrodes are integrated onto the surface of a tablet computer for portable IPG measurements. In certain embodiments, the interleaved electrodes are patterned onto a kapton substrate that is used as a flex circuit.

In certain embodiments, the scale area has a length of 10 inches with a width of eight inches for a miniature scale platform. Alternatively, the scale may be larger (up to 36 inches wide) for use in bariatric class scales. In certain embodiments, the scale platform with interleaved electrodes is incorporated into a floor tile that can be incorporated into a room such as a bathroom. In certain embodiments, the scale folds in half with a hinge for improved portability and storage. Alternatively, the scale platform is comprised of two separable halves, one half for the left foot and the other half for the right foot, for improved portability and storage. In certain embodiments for ambulatory measurements, the interleaved excitation and sensing electrode pairs are incorporated into a shoe insert for the detection of heart rate and a corresponding pulse arrival time (PAT). Alternatively, the interleaved excitation and sensing electrode pairs are incorporated into a pair of socks, to be worn for the detection of heart rate and a corresponding PAT.

In the present disclosure, the leg and foot impedance measurements can be simultaneously carried out using a multi-frequency approach, in which the leg and foot impedances are excited by currents modulated at two different frequencies, and the resulting voltages are selectively measured using a synchronous demodulator. This homodyning approach can be used to separate signals (in this case, the voltage drop due to the imposed current) with very high accuracy and selectivity.

This measurement configuration is based on a four-point configuration in order to minimize the impact of the contact resistance between the electrode and the foot, a practice well-known in the art of impedance measurement. In this configuration the current is injected from a set of two electrodes (the “injection” and “return” electrodes), and the voltage drop resulting from the passage of this current through the resistance is sensed by two separate electrodes (the “sense” electrodes), usually located in the path of the current. Since the sense electrodes are not carrying any current (by virtue of their connection to a high-impedance differential amplifier), the contact impedance does not significantly alter the sensed voltage.

In order to sense two distinct segments of the body (the legs and the foot), two separate current paths are defined by way of electrode positioning. Therefore two injection electrodes are used, each connected to a current source modulated at a different frequency. The injection electrode for leg impedance is located under the plantar region of the left foot, while the injection electrode for the Foot IPG is located under the heel of the right foot. Both current sources share the same return electrode located under the plantar region of the right foot. This is an illustrative example; other configurations may be used.

The sensing electrodes can be localized so as to sense the corresponding segments. Leg IPG sensing electrodes are located under the heels of each foot, while the two foot sensing electrodes are located under the heel and plantar areas of the right foot. The inter-digitated nature of the right foot electrodes ensures a four-point contact for proper impedance measurement, irrespective of the foot position, as already explained.

FIG. 7A depicts an example block diagram of circuitry for operating core circuits and modules of the multifunction scale, used in various specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Consistent with yet further embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 7A depicts an example block diagram of circuitry for operating core circuits and modules, including, for example, the operation of a CPU with the related and more specific circuit blocks/modules in FIGS. 8A-8B. As shown in the center of FIG. 7A, the main computer circuit 770 is shown with other previously-mentioned circuitry in a generalized manner without showing some of the detailed circuitry such as for amplification and current injection/sensing (772). The computer circuit 770 can be used as a control circuit with an internal memory circuit for causing, processing and/or receiving sensed input signals as at block 772. As discussed, these sensed signals can be responsive to injection current and/or these signals can be sensed at least for initially locating positions of the foot or feet on the platform area, by less complex grid-based sense circuitry surrounding the platform area as is conventional in capacitive touch-screen surfaces which, in certain embodiments, the platform area includes.

As noted, the memory circuit can be used not only for the user profile memory, but also to provide configuration and/or program code and/or other data such as user-specific data from another authorized source such as from a user monitoring his/her logged data and/or profile from a remote desk-top. The remote device or desktop can communicate with and access such data via a wireless communication circuit 776 via a wireless modem, router, ISDN channel, cellular systems, Bluetooth and/or other broadband pathway or private channel. For example, the wireless communication circuit 776 can provide an interface between an app on the user's cellular telephone/tablet (e.g., phablet, IPhone and/or IPad) and the platform apparatus, wherefrom the IPhone can be the output/input interface for the platform (scale) apparatus including, for example, an output display, speaker and/or microphone, and vibration circuitry; each of these I/O aspects and components being discussed herein in connection with other example embodiments.

A camera 778 and image encoder circuit 780 (with compression and related features) can also be incorporated as an option. As discussed above, the weighing scale components, as in block 782, are also optionally included in the housing which encloses and/or surrounds the platform apparatus.

For long-lasting battery life in the platform apparatus (batteries not shown), at least the CPU 770, the wireless communication circuit 776, and other current draining circuits are inactive unless and until activated in response to the intrusion/sense circuitry 788. As shown, one specific implementation employs a Conexant chip (e.g., CX93510) to assist in the low-power operation. This type of circuitry is specifically designed for motion sensors configured with a camera for visual verification and image and video monitoring applications (such as by supporting JPEG and MJPEG image compression and processing for both color and black and white images). When combined with an external CMOS sensor, the chip retrieves and stores compressed JPEG and audio data in an on-chip memory circuit (e.g., 256 KB/128 KB frame buffer) so as to alleviate the necessity of external memory. The chip uses a simple register set via the microprocessor interface and allows for wide flexibility in terms of compatible operation with another microprocessor.

In one specific embodiment, a method of using the platform with the plurality of electrodes concurrently contacting a limb of the user, includes operating such to automatically obtain measurement signals from the plurality of electrodes. As noted above, these measurement signals might initially be through less-complex (e.g., capacitive grid-type) sense circuitry. Before or while obtaining a plurality of measurement signals by operating the circuitry, the signal-sense circuitry 788 is used to sense wireless-signals indicative of the user approaching the platform and, in response, cause the CPU circuitry 770 to transition from a reduced power-consumption mode of operation and at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation. After the circuitry is operating in the higher power-consumption mode of operation, the CPU accesses the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit and thereafter causes a plurality of impedance-measurement signals to be obtained by using the plurality of electrodes while they are contacting the user via the platform; therefrom, the CPU generates signals corresponding to cardiovascular timings of the user, and such physiological measurements are communicated via the display.

This method can employ the signal-sense circuit as a passive infrared detector and with the CPU programmed (as a separate module) to evaluate whether radiation from the passive infrared detector is indicative of a human. For example, sensed levels of radiation that would correspond to a live being that has a size which is less than a person of a three-foot height, and/or not being sensed as moving for more than a couple seconds, can be assessed as being a non-human.

Accordingly, should the user be recognized as human, the CPU is activated and begins to attempt the discernment process of which user might be approaching. This is performed by the CPU accessing the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit (the user profile memory). The user can be recognized based on parameters such as discussed above (e.g., time of morning, speed of approach, etc.) and/or from physiologic parameters stored in the memory circuit and attributable to the user's previously-measured physiologic parameters. For further information regarding such user-recognition (and/or circuitry-power saving approaches), reference may be made to U.S. Patent documents: application Ser. No. 14/338,266, entitled Device And Method Having Automatic User-Responsive and User-Specific Physiological-Meter Platform (PHYW.005CIP1), filed Jul. 22, 2014; application Ser. No. 14/498,773, entitled Fitness Testing Scale (PHYW.029PA), filed Sep. 26, 2014; and to Provisional Application No. 62/027,724, entitled Multi-Function Scale With Large Area Display (PHYW.015P1), filed Jul. 22, 2014, each being incorporated by reference in their entirety as well as for the aspects specifically noted herein and for the common disclosure (e.g., figures and related discussion).

The CPU can also select one of a plurality of different types of user-discernible visual/audible/tactile information and for presenting the discerned user with visual/audible/tactile information that was retrieved from the memory as being specific to the user. For example, user-selected visual/audible data can be outputted for the user. Also, responsive to the motion detection indication, the camera can be activated to capture at least one image of the user while the user is approaching the platform (and/or while the user is on the platform to log confirmation of the same user with the measured impedance information). As shown in block 774 of FIG. 7A, where a speaker is also integrated with the CPU, the user can simply command the platform apparatus to start the process and activation would accordingly proceed.

In another such method, the circuitry of FIG. 7A is used with the plurality of electrodes being interleaved and engaging the user, as a combination weighing scale (via block 782) and a physiologic user-specific impedance-measurement device. By using the impedance-measurement signals and obtaining at least two impedance-measurement signals between one foot of the user and another location of the user, the interleaved electrodes assist the CPU in providing measurement results that indicate one or more of the following user-specific attributes as being indicative or common to the user: foot impedance, foot length, and type of arch, and wherein one or more of the user-specific attributes are accessed, by being read or stored, in the memory circuit and identified as being specific to the user. This information can be later retrieved by the user, medical and/or security personnel, according to a data-access authorization protocol as might be established upon initial configuration for the user.

FIG. 7B shows an exemplary block diagram depicting the circuitry for interpreting signals received from electrodes. The input electrodes 705 transmit various electrical signals through the patient's body (depending on the desired biometric and physiological test to be conducted) and output electrodes 710 receive the modified signal as affected by a user's electrical impedance 715. Once received by the output electrodes 710, the modified signal is processed by processor circuitry 701 based on the selected test. Signal processing conducted by the processor circuitry 701 is discussed in more detail below (with regard to FIGS. 8A-B). In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuitry within 701 is provided by Texas Instruments part # AFE4300.

FIGS. 8A-8B show example block diagrams depicting the circuitry for sensing and measuring the cardiovascular time-varying IPG raw signals and steps to obtain a filtered IPG waveform, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The example block diagrams shown in FIGS. 8A-8B are separated into a leg impedance sub-circuit 800 and a foot impedance sub-circuit 805.

Excitation is provided by way of an excitation waveform circuit 810. The excitation waveform circuit 810 provides an excitation signal by way of various types of frequency signals (as is shown in FIG. 8A) or, more specifically, a square wave signal (as shown in FIG. 8B). As is shown in FIG. 8B, the square wave signal is a 5 V at a frequency between 15,625 Hz and 1 MHz is generated from a quartz oscillator (such as an ECS-100AC from ECS International, Inc.) divided down by a chain of toggle flip-flops (e.g. a CD4024 from Texas Instruments, Inc.), each dividing stage providing a frequency half of its input (i.e., 1 Mhz, 500 kHz, 250 kHz, 125 kHz, 62.5 kHz, 31.250 kHz and 15.625 kHz). This (square) wave is then AC-coupled, scaled down to the desired amplitude and fed to a voltage-controlled current source circuit 815. The generated current is passed through a decoupling capacitor (for safety) to the excitation electrode, and returned to ground through the return electrode (grounded-load configuration). Amplitudes of 1 and 4 mA peak-to-peak are typically used for Leg and Foot IPGs, respectively.

The voltage drop across the segment of interest (legs or foot) is sensed using an instrumentation differential amplifier (e.g., Analog Devices AD8421) 820. The sense electrodes on the scale are AC-coupled to the input of the differential amplifier 820 (configured for unity gain), and any residual DC offset is removed with a DC restoration circuit (as exemplified in Burr-Brown App Note Application Bulletin, SBOA003, 1991, or Burr-Brown/Texas Instruments INA118 datasheet).

The signal is then demodulated with a synchronous demodulator circuit 825. The demodulation is achieved in this example by multiplying the signal by 1 or −1 synchronously with the current excitation. Such alternating gain is provided by an operational amplifier and an analog switch (SPST), such as an ADG442 from Analog Devices). More specifically, the signal is connected to both positive and negative inputs through 10 kOhm resistors. The output is connected to the negative input with a 10 kOhm resistor as well, and the switch is connected between the ground and the positive input. When open, the gain of the stage is unity. When closed (positive input grounded), the stage acts as an inverting amplifier of the gain −1. Alternatively, other demodulators such as analog multipliers or mixers can be used.

Once demodulated, the signal is band-pass filtered (0.4-80 Hz) with a first-order band-pass filter circuit 830 before being amplified with a gain of 100 with a non-inverting amplifier circuit 835 (e.g., using an LT1058 operational amplifier from Linear Technologies). The amplified signal is further amplified by 10 and low-pass filtered (cut-off at 30 Hz) using a low-pass filter circuit 840 such as 2-pole Sallen-Key filter stage with gain. The signal is then ready for digitization and further processing. In certain embodiments, the amplified signal can be passed through an additional low-pass filter circuit 845 to determine body or foot impedance.

In certain embodiments, the generation of the excitation voltage signal, of appropriate frequency and amplitude, is carried out by a microcontroller, such as MSP430 (Texas Instruments, Inc.). The voltage waveform can be generated using the on-chip timers and digital input/outputs or pulse width modulation (PWM) peripherals, and scaled down to the appropriate voltage through fixed resistive dividers, active attenuators/amplifiers using on-chip or off-chip operational amplifiers, as well as programmable gain amplifiers or programmable resistors. Alternatively, the waveforms can be directly generated by on- or off-chip digital-to-analog converters (DACs).

In certain embodiments, the shape of the excitation is not square, but sinusoidal. Such configuration would reduce the requirements on bandwidth and slew rate for the current source and instrumentation amplifier. Harmonics, potentially leading to higher electromagnetic interference (EMI), would also be reduced. Such excitation may also reduce electronics noise on the circuit itself. Lastly, the lack of harmonics from sine wave excitation may provide a more flexible selection of frequencies in a multi-frequency impedance system, as excitation waveforms have fewer opportunities to interfere between each other. Due to the concentration of energy in the fundamental frequency, sine wave excitation could also be more power-efficient.

In certain embodiments, the shape of the excitation is not square, but trapezoidal. While not as optimal as a sinusoidal wave, trapezoidal waves (or square waves whose edges have been smoothed out by a limited bandwidth or slew rate) still provide an advantage in term of EMI and electronic noise due to the reduced harmonics.

To further reduce potential EMI, other strategies may be used, such as by dithering the square wave signal (i.e., introducing jitter in the edges following a fixed or random pattern) which leads to so-called spread spectrum signals, in which the energy is not localized at one specific frequency (or a set of harmonics), but rather distributed around a frequency (or a set of harmonics). An example of a spread-spectrum circuit suitable for Dual-IPG measurement is shown in FIG. 8B. Because of the synchronous demodulation scheme, phase-to-phase variability introduced by spread-spectrum techniques will not affect the impedance measurement. Such a spread-spectrum signal can be generated by, but not limited to, specialized circuits (e.g., Maxim MAX31C80, SiTime SiT9001), or generic microcontrollers (see Application Report SLAA291, Texas Instruments, Inc.). These spread-spectrum techniques can be combined with clock dividers to generate lower frequencies as well.

As may be clear to one skilled in the art, these methods of simultaneous measurement of impedance in the leg and foot can be used for standard Body Impedance Analysis (BIA), with the aim of extracting relative content of total water, free-water, fat mass and others. Impedance measurements for BIA are typically done at frequencies ranging from kilohertz up to several megahertz. The multi-frequency measurement methods described above can readily be used for such BIA, provided the circuit can be modified so that the DC component of the impedance is not canceled by the instrumentation amplifier (no DC restoration circuit used). The high-pass filter can be implemented after the instrumentation amplifier, enabling the measurement of the DC component used for BIA. This multi-frequency technique can also be combined with traditional sequential measurements often used for BIA, in which the impedance is measured at several frequencies sequentially. These measurements can be repeated in several body segments for segmental BIAs, using a switch matrix to drive the current into the desired body segments.

While FIG. 6 shows a circuit and electrode configuration suitable to measure two different segments (legs and one foot), this approach is not readily extendable to more segments due to the shared current return electrode (ground). To overcome this limitation, and in particular to provide simultaneous measurements in both feet, the system can be augmented with analog switches to provide time-multiplexing of the impedance measurements in the different segments. This multiplexing can either be a one-time sequencing (each segment is measured once), or interleaved at a high-enough frequency so that the signal can be simultaneously measured on each segment. The minimum multiplexing rate for proper reconstruction is twice the bandwidth of the measured signal, based on signal processing theory, which equals to about 100 Hz for the impedance signal considered here. The rate must also allow for the signal path to settle in between switching, usually limiting the maximum multiplexing rate. Referring to FIG. 13A, one cycle might start the measurement of the leg impedance and left foot impedances (similarly to previously described, sharing a common return electrode), but then follow with a measurement of the right foot after reconfiguring the switches. Typical switch configurations for the various measurements are shown in the table below.

Switch #1 Switch #2 Switch #3 Switch #4 (Sw1) (Sw2) (Sw3) (Sw4) Legs A A or B A or B A Right Foot A A or B B A Left Foot B B A or B B

Since right and left feet are measured sequentially, one should note that a unique current source (at the same frequency) may be used to measure both, providing that the current source is not connected to the two feet simultaneously through the switches, in which case the current would be divided between two paths. One should also note that a fully-sequential measurement, using a single current source (at a single frequency) successively connected to the three different injection electrodes, could be used as well, with the proper switch configuration sequence (no split current path).

In certain embodiments, the measurement of various body segments, and in particular the legs, right foot and left foot, is achieved simultaneously due to as many floating current sources as segments to be measured, running at separate frequency so they can individually be demodulated. Such configuration is exemplified in FIG. 13B for three segments (legs, right and left feet). Such configuration has the advantage to provide true simultaneous measurements without the added complexity of time-multiplexing/demultiplexing, and associated switching circuitry. An example of such floating current source can be found in Plickett, et al., Physiological Measurement, 32 (2011). Another approach to floating current sources is the use of transformer-coupled current sources (as depicted in FIG. 13C). Using transformers to inject current into the electrodes enables the use of simpler, grounded-load current sources on the primary (winding(s)), while the electrodes are connected to the secondary (winding(s)). Turn ratio would typically be 1:1, and since frequencies of interest for impedance measurement are typically in the 10-1000 kHz (occasionally 1 kHz for BIA), relatively small transformers can be used. In order to limit the common mode voltage of the body, one of the electrodes in contact with the foot can be grounded.

While certain embodiments presented in the above specification have used current sources for excitation, it should be clear to a person skilled in the art that the excitation can also be performed by a voltage source, where the resulting injection current is monitored by a current sense circuit so that impedance can still be derived by the ratio of the sensed voltage (on the sense electrodes) over the sensed current (injected in the excitation electrodes).

It should be noted that broadband spectroscopy methods could also be used for measuring impedances at several frequencies. Such techniques have the advantage of lower EMI and simultaneous measurement of impedances at numerous frequencies. These methods typically use a chirp signal, a noise signal or an impulse signal to excite the load (impedance) at many frequencies simultaneously, while sampling the resulting response at high frequency so as to allow the computation (usually in the frequency domain) of the impedance over the desired frequency range. Combined with time-multiplexing and current switching described above, multi-segment broadband spectroscopy can be readily achieved.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward robust timing extraction of the blood pressure pulse in the foot which is achieved by means of a two-step processing. In a first step, the usually high-SNR Leg IPG is used to derive a reference (trigger) timing for each heart pulse. In a second step, a specific timing in the lower-SNR Foot IPG is extracted by detecting its associated feature within a restricted window of time around the timing of the Leg IPG. Such guided detection leads to a naturally more robust detection of foot timings.

FIG. 9 shows an example block diagram depicting signal processing steps to obtain fiducial references from the individual Leg IPG “beats,” which are subsequently used to obtain fiducials in the Foot IPG, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the first step, as shown in block 900, the Leg IP and the Foot IPG are simultaneously measured. As shown at 905, the Leg IPG is low-pass filtered at 20 Hz with an 8-pole Butterworth filter, and inverted so that pulses have an upward peak. The location of the pulses is then determined by taking the derivative of this signal, integrating over a 100 ms moving window, zeroing the negative values, removing the large artifacts by zeroing values beyond 15× the median of the signal, zeroing the values below a threshold defined by the mean of the signal, and then searching for local maxima. Local maxima closer than a defined refractory period of 300 ms to the preceding ones are dismissed. The result is a time series of pulse reference timings.

At 910, the foot IPG is low-pass filtered at 25 Hz with an 8-pole Butterworth filter and inverted (so that pulses have an upward peak). Segments starting from the timings extracted (block 915) from the Leg IPG (reference timings) and extending to 80% of the previous pulse interval, but no longer than one second, are defined in the Foot IPG. This defines the time windows where the Foot IPG is expected to occur, avoiding misdetection outside of these windows. In each segment, the derivative of the signal is computed, and the point of maximum positive derivative (maximum acceleration) is extracted. The foot of the IPG signal is then computed using an intersecting tangent method, where the fiducial (block 920) is defined by the intersection between a first tangent to the IPG at the point of maximum positive derivative and a second tangent to the minimum of the IPG on the left of the maximum positive derivative within the segment as shown at block 920.

The time series resulting from this two-step extraction is then used in conjunction with another signal to facilitate additional processing. In the present disclosure, these timings are used as reference timings to improve the SNR of BCG signals to subsequently extract intervals between a timing of the BCG (typically the I-wave) and the Foot IPG for the purpose of computing the PWV, as previously disclosed in U.S. 2013/0310700 (Wiard). In certain embodiments, the timings of the Leg IPG are used as reference timings to improve the SNR of BCG signals, and the foot IPG timings are used to extract intervals between timing fiducials of the improved BCG (typically the I-wave) and the Foot IPG for the purpose of computing the PTT and the (PWV).

In certain embodiments, the processing steps include an individual pulse SNR computation after individual timings have been extracted, either in Leg IPG or Foot IPG. Following the computation of the SNRs, pulses with a SNR below a threshold value are eliminated from the time series, in order to prevent propagating noise in subsequent processing steps. The individual SNRs may be computed in a variety of methods known to a person skilled in the art. For instance, an estimated pulse can be computed by ensemble averaging segments of a signal around the pulse reference timing. The noise associated with each pulse is defined as the difference between the pulse and the estimated pulse. The SNR is then the ratio of the root-mean-square (RMS) value of the estimated pulse over the RMS value of the noise for that pulse.

In certain embodiments, the time interval between the Leg IPG pulses, (as detected by the above-mentioned methods), and the Foot IPG pulses, also detected by the above-mentioned methods, is extracted. The Leg IPG measuring a pulse occurring earlier in the legs is compared to the pulse from the Foot IPG, the interval between these two being related to the propagation speed in the lower body, i.e., the peripheral vasculature. This provides complementary information to the interval extracted between the BCG and the Foot IPG, for instance, and can be used to decouple central versus peripheral vascular properties. It is also complementary to information derived from timings between the BCG and the Leg ICG.

In FIG. 10, the Leg IP and the Foot IPG are simultaneously measured (1000), the Leg IPG is low-pass filtered (block 1005), the foot IPG is low-pass filtered (1010), and segments starting from the timings are extracted (block 1015) from the Leg IPG (reference timings). The segments of the Foot IPG extracted based on the Leg IPG timings are ensemble-averaged (block 1020) to produce a higher SNR Foot IPG pulse. From this ensemble-averaged signal, the start of the pulse is extracted using the same intersecting tangent approach as described earlier. This approach enables the extraction of accurate timings in the Foot IPG even if the impedance signal is dominated by noise. These timings can then be used together with timings extracted from the BCG for the purpose of computing the PTT and (PWV). Timings derived from ensemble-averaged waveforms and individual waveforms can also be extracted, for the purpose of comparison, averaging and error-detection.

Specific timings that can be extracted from the IPG pulses (from either leg or foot) are related (but not limited) to the peak of the pulse, to the minimum preceding the peak, or to the maximum second derivative (maximum rate of acceleration) preceding the point of maximum derivative. An IPG pulse and the extraction of a fiducial (1025) in the IPG can also be performed by several other signal processing methods, including (but not limited to) template matching, cross-correlation, wavelet-decomposition, or short window Fourier transform.

In certain embodiments, a dual-Foot IPG is measured, allowing the detection of blood pressure pulses in both feet. Such information can be used for diagnostic of peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) by comparing the relative PATs in both feet to look for asymmetries. It can also be used to increase the robustness of the measurement by allowing one foot to have poor contact with electrodes (or no contact at all). SNR measurements can be used to assess the quality of the signal in each foot, and to select the best signal for downstream analysis. Timings extracted from each foot can be compared and set to flag potentially inaccurate PWV measurements due to arterial peripheral disease, in the event these timings are different by more than a defined threshold. Alternatively, timings from both feet can be pooled to increase the overall SNR if their difference is below a defined threshold.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure is used to measure a PWV, where the IPG is augmented by the addition of BCG sensing into the weighing scale to determine characteristic fiducials between the BCG and Leg IPG trigger, or the BCG and Foot IPG. The BCG sensors are comprised typically of the same strain gage set used to determine the bodyweight of the user. The load cells are typically wired into a bridge configuration to create a sensitive resistance change with small displacements due to the ejection of the blood into the aorta, where the circulatory or cardiovascular force produces movements within the body on the nominal order of 1-3 Newtons. BCG forces can be greater than or less than the nominal range in cases such as high or low cardiac output.

FIG. 11 shows an example configuration to obtain the PTT, using the first IPG as the triggering pulse for the Foot IPG and BCG, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The I-wave of the BCG 1100, as illustrated, normally depicts the headward force due to cardiac ejection of blood into the ascending aorta which can be used as a timing fiducial indicative of the pressure pulse initiation concerning the user's proximal aorta relative to the user's heart. The J-wave is also indicative of timings in the systole phase and also incorporates information related to the strength of cardiac ejection and the ejection duration. The K-Wave also provides systolic and vascular information of the user's aorta. The characteristic timings of these and other BCG waves can be used as fiducials that can be related to fiducials of the IPG signals of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows another example of a scale 1200 with interleaved foot electrodes 1205 to inject and sense current from one foot to another foot, and within one foot, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 13A-C3 shows various examples of a scale 1300 with interleaved foot electrodes 1305 to inject and sense current from one foot to another foot, and measure Foot IPG signals in both feet, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 14A-D show an example breakdown of a scale 1400 with interleaved foot electrodes 1405 to inject and sense current from one foot to another foot, and within one foot, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows an example block diagram of circuit-based building blocks, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The various circuit-based building blocks shown in FIG. 15 can be implemented in connection with the various aspects discussed herein. In the example shown, the block diagram includes foot electrodes 1500 that can collect the IPG signals. Further, the block diagram includes strain gauges 1505, and an LED/photosensor 1510. The foot electrodes 1500 are configured with a leg impedance measurement circuit 1515, a foot impedance measurement circuit 1520, and an optional second foot impedance measurement circuit 1525. The leg impedance measurement circuit 1515, the foot impedance measurement circuit 1520, and the optional second foot impedance measurement circuit 1525 report the measurements collected to a processor circuit 1545.

The processor circuit 1545 also collects data from a weight measurement circuit 1530 and an optional balance measurement circuit 1535 that are configured with the strain gauges 1505. Further, an optional photoplethysmogram (PPG) measurement circuit 1540, which collects data from the LED/photosensor 1510, can also provide data to the processor circuit 1545.

The processor circuit 1545 is powered via a power circuit 1550. Further, the processor circuit 1545 also collects user input data from a user interface 1555 that can include a touch screen and/or buttons. The data collected/measured by the processor circuit 1545 is shown to the user via a display 1560. Additionally, the data collected/measured by the processor circuit 1545 can be stored in a memory circuit 1580. Further, the processor circuit 1545 can optionally control a haptic feedback circuit 1565, a speaker or buzzer 1570, a wired/wireless interface 1575, and an auxiliary sensor 1585.

FIG. 16 shows an example flow diagram, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in block 1600, a PWV length is entered. As is shown in block 1605, a user's weight, balance, leg, and foot impedance are measured (as is consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure). As is shown at block 1610, the integrity of signals is checked (e.g., signal to noise ratio). If the signal integrity check is not met, the user's weight, balance, leg, and foot impedance are measured again (block 1605), if the signals integrity check is met, the leg impedance pulse timings are extracted (as is shown at block 1615). As is shown at block 1620, foot impedance and pulse timings are then extracted, and as is shown at block 1625, BCG timings are extracted. As is shown at block 1630, a timings quality check is performed. If the timings quality check is not validated, the user's weight, balance, leg and foot impedance are again measured (block 1605). If the timings quality check is validated, the PWV is calculated (as is shown at block 1635). Finally, as is shown at block 1640, the PWV is then displayed to the user.

FIG. 17 shows an example scale 1700 communicatively coupled to a wireless device, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. As described herein, a display 1705 displays the various aspects measured by the scale 1700. The scale can also wirelessly broadcast the measurements to a wireless device 1710.

FIGS. 18A-C show example impedance as measured through different parts of the foot based on the foot position, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. For instance, example impedance measurement configurations may be implemented using a dynamic electrode configuration for measurement of foot impedance and related timings, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. Dynamic electrode configuration may be implemented using independently-configurable electrodes to optimize the impedance measurement. As shown in FIG. 18A, interleaved electrodes 1800 are connected to an impedance processor circuit 1805 to determine foot length, foot position, and/or foot impedance. As is shown in FIG. 18B, an impedance measurement is determined regardless of foot position 1810 based on measurement of the placement of the foot across the electrodes 1800. This is based in part in the electrodes 1800 that are engaged (blackened) and in contact with the foot (based on the foot position 1810), which is shown in FIG. 18C.

More specifically regarding FIG. 18A, configuration can include connection/de-connection of the individual electrodes 1800 to the impedance processor circuit 1805, their configuration as current-carrying electrodes (injection or return), sense electrodes (positive or negative), or both. The configuration can either be preset based on user information, or updated at each measurement (dynamic reconfiguration) to optimize a given parameter (impedance SNR, measurement location). The system may for instance algorithmically determine which electrodes under the foot to use in order to obtain the highest SNR in the pulse impedance signal. Such optimization algorithm may include iteratively switching configurations and measuring the resulting impedance, then selecting the best-suited configuration. Alternatively, the system may first, through a sequential impedance measurement between each individual electrode 1800 and another electrode in contact with the body (such as an electrode in electrode pair 205 on the other foot), determine which electrodes are in contact with the foot. By determining the two most apart electrodes, the foot size is determined. Heel location can also be determined in this manner, as can other characteristics such as foot arch type. These parameters can then be used to determine programmatically (in an automated manner by CPU/logic circuitry) which electrodes should be selected for current injection and return (as well as sensing if a Kelvin connection issued) in order to obtain the best foot IPG.

In various embodiments involving the dynamically reconfigurable electrode array 1800/1805, an electrode array set is selected to measure the same portion (or segment) of the foot, irrespective of the foot location on the array. FIG. 18B illustrates the case of several foot positions on a static array (a fixed set of electrodes are used for measurement at the heel and plantar/toe areas, with a fixed gap of an inactive electrode or insulating material between them). Depending on the position of the foot, the active electrodes are contacting the foot at different locations, thereby sensing a different volume (or segment) of the foot. If the IPG is used by itself (e.g., for heart measurement), such discrepancies may be non-consequential. However, if timings derived from the IPG are referred to other timings (e.g., R-wave from the ECG, or specific timing in the BCG), such as for the calculation of a PTT or PWV, the small shifts in IPG timings due to the sensing of slightly different volumes in the foot (e.g., if the foot is not always placed at the same position on the electrodes) can introduce an error in the calculation of the interval. Such location variations can readily occur in the day-to-day use of the scale. With respect to FIG. 18B for instance, the timing of the peak of the IPG from the foot placement on the right (sensing the toe/plantar region) would be later than from the foot placement on the left, which senses more of the heel volume (the pulse reaches first the heel, then the plantar region). Factors influencing the magnitude of these discrepancies include foot shape (flat or not) and foot length.

Various embodiments address challenges relating to foot placement. FIG. 18C shows an example embodiment involving dynamic reconfiguration of the electrodes to reduce such foot placement-induced variations. As an example, by sensing the location of the heel first (as described above), it is possible to activate only a subset of electrodes under the heel, and another subset of electrodes separated by a fixed distance (1800). The other electrodes (e.g., unused electrodes) are left disconnected. The sensed volume will therefore always be the same, producing consistent timings. The electrode configuration leading to the most consistent results may also be informed by the foot impedance, foot length, the type of arch (all of which can be measured by the electrode array as shown above), but also by the user ID (foot information can be stored for each user, then looked up based on automatic user recognition or manual selection (e.g., in a look-up-table stored for each user in a memory circuit accessible by the CPU circuit in the scale)).

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the impedance-measurement apparatus measures impedance using a plurality of electrodes contacting one foot and with at least one other electrode (typically many) at a location distal from the foot. The plurality of electrodes (contacting the one foot) is arranged on the platform and in a pattern configured to inject current signals and sense signals in response thereto, for the same segment of the foot so that the timing of the pulse-based measurements does not vary simply because the user placed the one foot at a slightly different position on the platform or scale. Thus, in FIG. 18A, the foot-to-electrode locations for the heel are different locations than that shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C. As this different foot placement might occur from day to day for the user, the timing and related impedance measurements should be for the same (internal) segment of the foot. By having the computer processor circuit inject current and sense responsive signals to first locate the foot on the electrodes (e.g., sensing where positions of the foot's heel plantar regions and/or toes), the pattern of foot-to-electrode locations permits the foot to move laterally, horizontally and both laterally and horizontally via the different electrode locations, while collecting impedance measurements relative to the same segment of the foot.

The BCG/IPG system can be used to determine the PTT of the user, by identification of the average I-Wave or derivative timing near the I-Wave from a plurality of BCG heartbeat signals obtained simultaneously with the Dual-IPG measurements of the present disclosure to determine the relative PTT along an arterial segment between the ascending aortic arch and distal pulse timing of the user's lower extremity. In certain embodiments, the BCG/IPG system is used to determine the PWV of the user, by identification of the characteristic length representing the length of the user's arteries, and by identification of the average I-Wave or derivative timing near the I-Wave from a plurality of BCG heartbeat signals obtained simultaneously with the Dual-IPG measurements of the present disclosure to determine the relative PTT along an arterial segment between the ascending aortic arch and distal pulse timing of the user's lower extremity. The system of the present disclosure and alternate embodiments may be suitable for determining the arterial stiffness (or arterial compliance) and/or cardiovascular risk of the user regardless of the position of the user's feet within the bounds of the interleaved electrodes. In certain embodiments, the weighing scale system incorporates the use of strain gage load cells and six or eight electrodes to measure a plurality of signals including: bodyweight, BCG, body mass index, fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, and body water percentage, heart rate, heart rate variability, PTT, and PWV measured simultaneously or synchronously when the user stands on the scale to provide a comprehensive analysis of the health and wellness of the user.

In other certain embodiments, the PTT and PWV are computed using timings from the Leg IPG or Foot IPG for arrival times, and using timings from a sensor located on the upper body (as opposed to the scale measuring the BCG) to detect the start of the pulse. Such sensor may include an impedance sensor for impedance cardiography, a hand-to-hand impedance sensor, a photoplethysmogram on the chest, neck, head, arms or hands, or an accelerometer on the chest (seismocardiograph) or head.

Communication of the biometric information is another aspect of the present disclosure. The biometric results from the user are then stored in the memory on the scale and displayed to the user via a display on the scale, audible communication from the scale, and/or the data is communicated to a peripheral device such as a computer, smart phone, or tablet computing device. The communication occurs directly to the peripheral device with a wired connection, or can be sent to the peripheral device through wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi. Computations such as signal analyses described therein may be carried out locally on the scale, in a smartphone or computer, or in a remote processor (cloud computing).

Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses or methods that include the use of at least two electrodes that contact feet of a user. Further, circuitry is provided to determine a pulse arrival time at the foot based on the recording of two or more impedance signals from the set of electrodes. Additionally, a second set of circuitry is provided to extract a first pulse arrival time from a first impedance signal and use the first pulse arrival time as a timing reference to extract and process a second pulse arrival time in a second impedance signal.

Reference may also be made to the following published patent documents, U.S. Patent Publication 2010/0094147 and U.S. Patent Publication 2013/0310700, which are, together with the references cited therein, herein fully incorporated by reference for the purposes of sensors and sensing technology. The aspects discussed therein may be implemented in connection with one or more of embodiments and implementations of the present disclosure (as well as with those shown in the figures). In view of the description herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated herein, various circuit-based building blocks, aspects, features and/or modules may be implemented in various combinations to carry out one or more of the operations and activities described herein shown in the block-diagram-type figures. In such contexts, these building blocks and/or modules represent circuits that carry out one or more of these or related operations/activities. For example, in certain of the embodiments discussed above (such as the pulse circuitry modularized as shown in FIGS. 8A-B), one or more blocks/modules are discrete logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured and arranged for implementing these operations/activities, as in the circuit blocks/modules shown. In certain embodiments, the programmable circuit is one or more computer circuits programmed to execute a set (or sets) of instructions (and/or configuration data). The instructions (and/or configuration data) can be in the form of firmware or software stored in and accessible form, a memory (circuit). As an example, first and second modules/blocks include a combination of a CPU hardware-based circuit and a set of instructions in the form of firmware, where the first module/block includes a first CPU hardware circuit with one set of instructions and the second module/block includes a second CPU hardware circuit with another set of instructions.

Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the input terminals as shown and discussed may be replaced with terminals of different arrangements, and different types and numbers of input configurations (e.g., involving different types of input circuits and related connectivity). Such modifications do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure, including that set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A weighing scale apparatus comprising: a base unit configured and arranged to integrate a support structure having a platform region with sensor circuitry therein, the platform region configured and arranged for engaging a user with the sensor circuitry while the user stands on the platform region and using the sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user, a large-area display configured and arranged for displaying data through and throughout the entire platform region and within and outside a portion of the platform region whereon the user stands, user-targeted circuitry configured and arranged to receive the physiological data from the sensor circuitry and to determine physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric, while the user stands on and engages the sensor circuitry of the platform region, and a communication driver configured and arranged to provide information from the user-targeted circuitry to the display for viewing by the user through the platform region; and a data-access circuit configured and arranged to provide access to user-specific data including stored physiological parameters of the user in response to or developed by the user-targeted circuitry and to store physiological parameters of the user determined by the user-targeted circuitry.
 2. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a logic circuit communicatively coupled with the data-access circuit and configured and arranged to correlate data developed by the user-targeted circuitry with the user.
 3. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication driver is further configured and arranged to recognize whether the user is standing on the platform region and to control, in response thereto, presenting the information via the display.
 4. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a logic circuit communicatively coupled with the data-access circuit and configured and arranged to identify the user by accessing user-specific data in a memory circuit of the data access circuit and further configured and arranged to correlate the user-specific data with data developed by the user-targeted circuitry.
 5. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display is further configured and arranged to receive touch signal data indicative of engagement of the user on the platform region and the associated position and movement, and the communication driver is further configured and arranged to receive the touch signal data from the display, process the touch signals, and determine the position and movement associated with such touch signals.
 6. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication driver is further configured and arranged to recognize whether the user is standing on the platform region and to control, in response thereto, presenting the information via a large-area display mode when the user is not standing on the platform region and, via a reduced-area display mode in a reduced-area display region of the platform region which is adjacent to feet of the user, presenting information that corresponds to the physiological parameters of the user.
 7. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sensor circuitry includes a plurality of electrodes, a first one of the plurality of electrodes configured and arranged for contacting one foot of a user and a second one of the plurality of electrodes configured and arranged for contacting the user at a location along a lower limb of the user that does not include the one foot, and the user-targeted circuitry further includes pulse-processing circuitry communicatively coupled to and configured and arranged with the plurality of electrodes to obtain a plurality of impedance-measurement signals, extract pulse characteristic signals from at least one of the impedance-measurement signals, and based on the extracted pulse characteristic signals, determine a condition of the user.
 8. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, further including image processing circuitry configured and arranged to receive image data and determine color and pattern themes associated with the image data; and the communication driver is further configured and arranged to present an image on the display indicative of an area around the base unit, based on the image data processed by the image processing circuitry, when the base unit is idle.
 9. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, further including a camera configured and arranged to capture image data of an area around the base unit; image processing circuitry configured and arranged to receive the captured image data from the camera and determine color and pattern themes associated with the image data; microphone circuitry configured and arranged to detect audible sounds to determine the presence of a user, and the communication driver is further configured and arranged to present an image on the display indicative of the area around the base unit, based on the image data processed by the image processing circuitry, when the microphone circuitry indicates the non-presence of a user.
 10. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display is configured and arranged to present one of the following: videos, images, and animations, when the base unit is idle.
 11. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data-access circuit is further configured and arranged to provide access to user-specific data and the physiological parameters of the user, via a communication network, to computing systems associated with the user.
 12. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a logic circuit communicatively coupled with the data-access circuit and configured and arranged to identify the user by accessing user-specific data in a memory circuit of the data access circuit and further configured and arranged to correlate the user-specific data with data developed by the user-targeted circuitry, and based on the identification of the user by the data-access circuit, the data-access circuit is further configured and arranged to access information, via a communication network, based on the user-specific data in the memory circuit.
 13. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 1, further including a camera configured and arranged to capture image data indicative of an area around the base unit and presence of the user; image processing circuitry configured and arranged to receive the captured image data from the camera and determine color and pattern themes associated with the image data of the area around the base unit, and the presence of the user; and the display is further configured and arranged in an active mode, determined by the presence of the user by the image processing circuitry, to present information that corresponds to the physiological parameters of the user, in an idle mode, determined by the non-presence of the user by the image processing circuitry, to present an image indicative of the area around the base unit, based on the image data processed by the image processing circuitry.
 14. A weighing scale apparatus comprising: a base unit configured and arranged to integrate a support structure having a platform region with sensor circuitry therein, the platform region including at least one foot-engagement region, with sensor circuitry therein, for engaging a user while the user stands on the platform region, a weighing scale, a display configured and arranged for providing data through and throughout the platform region including the at least one foot-engagement region, user-targeted circuitry configured and arranged to measure physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric, while the user stands on and engages the platform region, and a communication driver configured and arranged to provide information from the user-targeted circuitry and to present the information through the platform region for viewing by the user in a large-area display mode corresponding to a first state in which the user is not standing on the platform region and for viewing by the user in a reduced-area display mode corresponding to a second state in which the user is standing on the platform region; and a data-access circuit configured and arranged to provide access to user-specific data in response to or developed by the user-targeted circuitry.
 15. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 14, wherein the communication driver is further configured and arranged to present the information including images via the large-area display mode when the user is not standing on the platform region and present the information as text in the form of letters or numbers via the reduced-area display mode in the reduced-area display region of the platform region which is adjacent to the at least one foot-engagement region for viewing by the user while the user is standing on the at least one foot-engagement region.
 16. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 15, wherein while the user is standing on the at least one foot-engagement region, the communication driver is further configured and arranged to present the information including images via the large-area display mode concurrently while presenting the text in the form of letters or numbers via the reduced-area display mode in the reduced-area display region of the platform region, whereby the images are displayed outside the reduced-area display region while the text in the reduced-area display region.
 17. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 14, wherein the communication driver is further configured and arranged to recognize whether the user is standing on the platform region and to control, in response thereto, presenting the information including images via the large-area display mode when the user is not standing on the platform region and presenting the information via the reduced-area display mode in a reduced-area display region of the platform region which is adjacent to the at least one foot-engagement region for viewing by the user while the user is standing on the at least one foot-engagement region.
 18. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 14, wherein the communication driver is further configured and arranged to recognize whether the user is standing on the platform region and to control, in response thereto, presenting the information in the form of images via the large-area display mode when the user is not standing on the platform region and, via the reduced-area display mode in a reduced-area display region of the platform region which is adjacent to the at least one foot-engagement region, presenting information that corresponds to the physiological parameters of the user.
 19. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a logic circuit communicatively coupled with the data-access circuit and configured and arranged to correlate data developed by the user-targeted circuitry with the user.
 20. The weighing scale apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a logic circuit communicatively coupled with the data-access circuit and configured and arranged to identify the user by accessing user-specific data in a memory circuit of the data access circuit and further configured and arranged to correlate the user-specific data with data developed by the user-targeted circuitry. 